South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

A facility may admit a resident with which step of the TB screening process completed prior to admission?

1. First step

2. Second step

3. Both steps

4. No steps

The correct answer is: First step

A facility may admit a resident with the first step of the TB screening process completed prior to admission because the first step involves an initial screening using a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), which helps to identify if a person has been exposed to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. This step is crucial for early detection and prevention of TB outbreaks within the facility. The first step can be performed shortly before admission to ensure that if the result is positive, appropriate follow-up actions can be taken promptly, including further evaluation and potential treatment. Completing both steps of the TB screening process, which includes a second follow-up test or assessment, may be required for a conclusive diagnosis, but it is not necessary for an initial admission. Additionally, not taking any steps at all would leave the facility vulnerable to introducing residents who might be at risk, compromising the health of others in the facility. Thus, it is essential that at least the first step is done prior to admission.